The matrix creates new skin cells, which pushes out the old, dead skin cells to make your nails. As a result, injuries to the nail bed or disorders that affect the matrix can affect your nail growth.

We’ve all broken a nail or two from tearing through an Amazon box or experienced some mild peeling after mindlessly picking off a gel manicure during a meeting, but if you’re noticing small ...

However, when booking a manicure or pedicure, cuticles are often removed during your service, ... and other harmful organisms from entering the nail matrix, where new nail growth begins,” she says.

A photo of Karolina Jasko's thumb after doctors removed the nail matrix and used a skin graft to cover the area, alongside a photo of the former Miss Illinois. (Photo credit: Karolina Jasko) When ...